THE man affectionately known as Mr Brum made his city and the world a better place, a service in his honour heard.

Sir Richard Knowles led the transformation of Birmingham as he served the city during a civic career spanning five decades.

MPs, civic leaders, councillors, family and colleagues of the former city leader gathered at St Philips Cathedral for a special service of thanksgiving following his death in February aged 90.

Tributes to the Labour stalwart highlighted his fierce intelligence, his political ability and his humour.

Respected business leader Sir Adrian Cadbury, who developed a friendship with Sir Richard while they were Sheriff and Lord Mayor, praised his "wisdom, his humour, and diplomacy."

Sir Adrian said: "He managed to pursuade Conservative Government ministers like Nicholas Ridley and Michael Hestletine that what was good for Birmingham was in line with their policy, whether they knew it or not.

"His commitment to Birmingham was total and transparent. His only interest was to further the interest of his adopted city. He made this world a better place."

Sir Richard was the much-loved Labour leader of Birmingham between 1984 and 1993 who oversaw and drove the transformation of city including the construction of the NEC, the ICC, the pedestrianisation of the city centre and opening up of the canals.

Speaker after speaker talked of Dick’s devotion to the Labour cause, to the city of Birmingham and charm which endeared him to people from across the political, social and cultural spectrum.

Among those attending were the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Randal Brew and city leader Coun Mike Whitby.

His son William Knowles led the tributes to his late father who died aged 90 on February 17.

He spoke of his upbringing in Kent as his father educated him and involved him as a Labour Party activist from a young age, printing and delivering election addresses. "Life was full of serious fun," he said.

Sir Richard’s was first elected as a councillor in 1972 and in a career spanning three decades he represented Stechford, Weoley and Sparkbrook.

After leading the city through its largest modern transformation Sir Richard served as Lord Mayor and was made Honorary Alderman in 2000. Even in political retirement he remained involved in the public life of the city as a school governor, board member at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and chairman of the South West Birmingham Community Association.